Hindu Mythology: Interesting Facts

Hindu mythology offers certain beliefs and preachings that are amusing and difficult to understand. There is a lot that is unknown and misinterpreted about Hindu mythology. Mentioned under are actual facts and explanations to understand few of such preachings by Hindu mythology. Check them out:

Why is cow considered sacred as per Hindu mythology?

There are lots of reasons which makes the Hindus or Hinduism believe that cow is sacred. To start with, cow was actually an indispensable part of a family. Agriculture being the prime occupation for most of the people, cow provided a number of different products for sustenance for example, milk and its byproducts, fuel, manure etc. Besides, the sacred “yagna” or worshiping the god of fire called for loads of melted butter, which only cows could provide. Also, gods have to be offered milk puddings and drinks made up of milk which further highlighted the significance of cows. Apart from that, Hindu priests (the nobles) used to be vegetarians and thus, cow was considered highly sacred in Hindu mythology.

Why is Lord Krishna colored blue?

In Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna is an incarnation of Vishnu and Vishnu is closely associated with water this is the reason why Krishna is also colored blue. In fact, almighty has rendered maximum blue color to nature- lakes, sky, oceans. Thus, Krishna’s blue color too, is associated with divine power and determination in Hinduism. Another theory of Hindu mythology says that Lord Vishnu implanted two hairs in Devaki’s womb- one being white and other one black. White hair was miraculously transferred to Rohini’s womb who gave birth to fair skinned Balarama while Krishna took birth as dark skinned; a result of black hair from Devaki’s womb.

Why do Hindu deities have multiple arms?

As per Hindu mythology, the depiction of multiple arms stand for varied powers of an individual deity. It also represents the merging of two or more divine powers or deities together. Arms holding different objects showcase the specific qualities of the Lord. An open palm suggests blessings while a finger pointing upwards signifies a protector as per Hinduism.

What does “Namaskar” mean in Hindu mythology?

Namsakar is one of the oldest way of wishing and greeting in Hinduism. Namaskar essentially says – “I bow to You” and it is done by joining both the palms and raising it to touch the forehead; position of the third eye. The joining of palms signify the meeting of two worlds- left representing the worldly or lower nature while the right depicting the holy world. Another meaning of “namaskar” or “namaskar” as suggested by the Hindu mythology is that god resides in every soul hence, one bows to that divine power when meeting with people.